Summit Water Quality Data
Understanding the numbers reveals the scale of the issue for homeowners in Summit.
- Water Hardness: 14.7 GPG (251.4 PPM)
- Water Source: County Average (WQP)
- National Comparison: Nearly 300% harder than the U.S. national average of ~5 GPG.
A hardness of 14.7 GPG means that for every gallon of water used, a significant amount of dissolved rock mineral is left behind on surfaces, inside pipes, and within your appliances.
The Financial Impact of Hard Water on Appliances
In Summit, your home's plumbing systems are fighting a constant battle against mineral buildup. Each year, your water deposits around 3.5 pounds of rock scale inside your pipes and appliances.
- Gas & Electric Heater Strain: This scale forms a layer on the heating elements of your water heater. For a gas model, the burner has to fire longer and burn more fuel just to heat the water through the scale barrier. This energy waste, billed by Tucson Electric Power, adds up quickly.
- Shortened Appliance Lifespan: A typical water heater lasts 12-15 years. With Summit's water, that lifespan is slashed to just 7.7 years. Dishwashers and washing machines also suffer from clogged lines and premature failure.
- Annual Costs: The combination of wasted energy and increased detergent/soap usage costs the average Summit household an estimated $158 per year.
How Hard Water Affects Your Family's Comfort
Beyond the financial costs, very hard water has a noticeable impact on daily life and comfort.
- Skin Irritation: Minerals left on the skin can clog pores and cause dryness and itchiness, a problem made worse by Southern Arizona's arid climate.
- Dull Hair: The same mineral residue builds up on hair, leaving it feeling lifeless, brittle, and difficult to clean.
- Soap Scum: Hard water reacts with soap to form a sticky scum instead of a rich lather, leaving residue on your skin, tub, and shower doors.
Filtration Recommendations for Summit (14.7 GPG)
To combat the effects of 14.7 GPG water, you need a whole-house solution that treats water as it enters your home.
- Primary Recommendation: A whole-house, ion-exchange water softener is the most comprehensive solution. It physically removes calcium and magnesium, eliminating scale buildup entirely and providing truly soft water for bathing and cleaning.
- Alternative Option: A salt-free water conditioner can be effective for scale prevention on plumbing and heaters, but it does not soften the water, so you won't get the same benefits for skin, hair, and soap usage.
Is it a good investment? A water softener system, which costs around $1,500 installed, will pay for itself in 9.5 years by saving you $158 annually in energy, cleaning supplies, and delayed appliance replacement costs. It's an investment in protecting the value and function of your home.